Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has admitted that he came to close to a switch to Serie A in 2009, with Juventus, Inter and AC Milan all close to securing his signature.
The former France international has been with the German champions since 2007, but confessed that he seriously considered leaving after his second season at the club.
Ribery was not without suitors, and the Italian trio were competing against many of Europe’s biggest clubs for the former Marseille star.
“In 2008/09, all the big clubs wanted me, including Juventus, Inter, Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United,” the 33-year-old told Kicker.
“I really considered moving, but after discussing it with (Bayern Munich directors) Uli Hoeness and Karl-Heinze Rummennige I decided to stay. I have been here for 10 years now and I have won everything. My family and I are happy here.”
Ribery has lifted the Bundesliga title six times with Die Roten, as well as winning five German Cups and the Champions League.
The Boulogne-native scored 16 goals in 81 appearances for France between 2006 and 2014, and was part of the squad that finished as runners-up to Italy at the 2006 World Cup.
